Is Westside Historic District safe?
Daytona Beach, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Westside Historic District as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Westside Historic District
“Go with care. While the neighborhood boasts deep African American history and proximity to Bethune-Cookman University, visitors should remain vigilant. Daytime visits to historic sites are generally manageable, but walking alone after dark is not advised due to above-average property and violent crime rates.”
Daytona Beach police have maintained active foot and vehicle patrols along the George Engram and Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard corridors to deter street-level property crime and disturbances.
About the area
The Westside Historic District in Daytona Beach is a culturally significant neighborhood centered around Bethune-Cookman University and the legacy of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. The area features modest historic bungalows, academic buildings, and local institutions amidst an urban residential setting. Visitors primarily come to explore its educational and civil rights heritage.
- Historic / Culturally Significant
- College Campus Adjacent
- Urban Residential
Walking and biking in Westside Historic District
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 68/100
Biking is feasible on flat neighborhood streets, with easy connections eastward to the Riverfront Esplanade trail along Beach Street, though Daytona Beach lacks a municipal bike-share system.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Rich African American cultural heritage and National Historic Landmarks
- Close proximity to Bethune-Cookman University and campus safety presence
- Central location just minutes from downtown Daytona Beach and the Halifax River
Cons
- Violent and property crime rates in the surrounding zip code exceed state and national averages
- Elevated poverty rates exceeding 30% and noticeable pockets of residential blight
- Limited street lighting and increased safety risks during nighttime hours
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and individuals panhandling are occasionally observed along major thoroughfares such as Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard and near major intersections heading toward US-1.
What Westside Historic District is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Quiet and calm as university students and local residents commute, making it the safest time for self-guided historic tours.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Moderate foot traffic and campus activity keep the main corridors relatively active and generally secure for visitors.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity winds down quickly away from the university campus, and caution is warranted due to lower lighting on residential side streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Not recommended for recreational walking due to reduced visibility and an increased risk of property crime or disturbances.
Transit, parking and getting around
Votran operates local bus services through the area, with Route 3 and Route 10 providing direct connections to the Daytona Beach Intermodal Transit Center. There is no passenger rail or BRT service in Daytona Beach.
Free on-street parking is generally available along residential avenues, with designated visitor lots available on the Bethune-Cookman campus for university events and tours.
Things to do in Westside Historic District
- Tour the Mary McLeod Bethune Home and Gravesite National Historic Landmark
- Visit the Carl S. Swisher Library and cultural exhibits on the Bethune-Cookman University campus
- Explore the historic churches and markers along Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard
Local favorites
- Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Home & Gravesite · Historical Landmark · 4.8★ (210)Preserved historic home offering guided tours detailing the life of the renowned educator and civil rights leader.
- Chef Papas Cafe · Cafe & Bakery · 4.6★ (320)Nearby long-standing community cafe serving scratch-made sandwiches, soups, and baked goods.
- Sweet Marlins Bake Shop · Bakery · 4.7★ (160)Popular local bakery located just east toward downtown, known for custom pastries, cupcakes, and cookies.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.